Vaginal Discharge

Unusual mucus or other substances coming from the vagina is a common problem. The discharge is often due to infection, and frequently associated with pain, burning, itching, and painful urination. Not all infections are sexually transmitted, so don't assume that vaginal discharge means that you have an STD. There are a number of possible causes:Unusual mucus or other substances coming from the vagina is a common problem. The discharge is often due to infection, and frequently associated with pain, burning, itching, and painful urination. Not all infections are sexually transmitted, so don't assume that vaginal discharge means that you have an STD. There are a number of possible causes:

Inflammation of the vagina. Called vaginitis, this is the most common reason for discharge and is usually caused by infection. There are three main types of vaginal infections, all of which can be treated with oral or vaginal medications. Each infection tends to produce a distinct discharge:

• Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, itching, irritated skin -- yeast infection, or candidiasis. Women with diabetes and those taking antibiotics are more likely to develop this type of infection. Most women will have at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives.
• Thin, yellow, foul-smelling discharge -- Trichomonas, which is usually transmitted sexually.
• Thin, gray or white, foul-smelling discharge -- bacterial vaginosis.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The result of an infection of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, PID is the most common and serious complication of sexually transmitted disease. Each year in the United States, an estimated 1 million women have an episode. Symptoms include vaginal discharge or bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and fever. Chronic PID can result from one or more infections. The most common identifiable causes are gonorrhea or chlamydia, both of which are sexually transmitted. About 20 percent of women with PID become infertile.

Genital herpes. This infection can produce vaginal discharge if it affects the cervix. The first episode of genital herpes also features fever, itching, headache, and general muscle aches.

Infection of the inside of the uterus. This condition, known as endometritis, is usually caused by STDs, fibroid tumors, cancer, giving birth, or intrauterine devices (IUDs).

A hole in the vagina (connecting the vagina to the rectum or bladder). Because of this passageway, called a fistula, stool or urine can pass through the vagina. The problem can develop after surgery or injury to the area, infection, inflammation, or radiation.

Inflammation of the vagina due to lack of estrogen. As a woman enters menopause, her body produces increasingly erratic amounts of estrogen. This often causes the vagina to dry out and become irritated. The condition is known as atrophic vaginitis and is treatable by estrogen replacement therapy, vaginal creams, and vaginal suppositories.

Other, less common causes of vaginal discharge include pregnancy, genital warts, cancer, and foreign objects in the vagina, such as a tampon that could not be removed.

Your doctor will ask you about the type of discharge and whether it occurs immediately before, after, or during menstruation or sexual activity. You should also expect to undergo a pelvic exam.